Hoyer Statement on 40th Anniversary of the 26th Amendment

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on the 40th anniversary of the ratification of the 26th Amendment, which extended the right to vote to Americans age 18 and older:

“Forty years ago today, the right on which all others are founded and protected—the right to vote— was extended to millions of young Americans. With this amendment, millions of young people were given the opportunity to participate in our great democracy and to have their voices heard.

“But four decades on, the fight continues to ensure that all Americans have access to the polls and that elections are decided as a result of reliable voting systems and a fair vote. From the Voting Rights Act to the Help America Vote Act, Democrats are committed to preserving the fundamental rights of all Americans to elect their leaders and to ensuring that this right shall not be denied or abridged.”